1. (1) All reusable instruments used for body art procedures must be cleaned thoroughly with an appropriate soap or detergent and rinsed completely with potable water.
2. (2) Establishments that reuse instruments must have at least a one-compartment sink with hot and cold running water for the cleaning of instruments or an automated instrument washer. The sink must be used only for cleaning contaminated instruments and shall not be used for hand washing. The sink must be of an adequate size to submerge the instruments being cleaned, except as provided in (3).
3. (3) Establishments that use ultrasonic units with heating elements to clean their instruments are not required to have hot water at the cleaning sink, provided the heating elements can heat the cleaning solution and maintain the temperature according to the manufacturer's specifications.
4. (4) An ultrasonic unit must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. An ultrasonic unit does not satisfy the sterilization requirements in ARM 37.112.131, with or without the addition of chemical sanitizers.
5. (5) Ultrasonic unit use, cleaning, dusting, or vacuuming is prohibited during times when clients are being tattooed or pierced.
6. (6) The covered ultrasonic unit and the sink used for rinsing and scrubbing contaminated tools must be separated from the autoclave to prevent contamination. If space is an issue, the establishment may install a Plexiglas, stainless steel, or other nonporous barrier to prevent cross contamination.

7. (7) Except as provided in (8), all reusable instruments must be cleaned in a separate cleaning room.

   1. (a) The cleaning room must be enclosed by four solid walls except for windows and doors and not open to the public.
   2. (b) The cleaning room must only be used for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, storage, and related tasks. No other services, including tattooing, piercing, or retail sales, may occur within this sterilization room/area.
   3. (c) If any items are stored in the cleaning room, cabinets or drawers must be made of smooth, nonporous wipeable materials.
8. (8) Reusable tattoo machines and ear piercing guns must be cleaned in accordance with manufacturer instructions and guidelines.

Authorizing statute(s): 50-48-103, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 50-48-103, MCA

History: NEW, 2007 MAR p. 351, Eff. 3/23/07; AMD, 2025 MAR, 37-1072, Eff. 4/26/25.